35 Weeks

I'm 35 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 35 Weeks

Size of baby: Colton is around 5.25 lbs - about the size of a honeydew melon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 14 lbs

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans and pants but everything else is regular. I'm down to just a few things I can still fit into. ha!

Gender: It's a boy!!!!! Colton Matthew Deepe

Movement: He is VERY active - especially in the afternoon and at night

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good! Started having to sleep with a second pillow to help with pain in my lower back!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my stomach? Or bending over? ha!

Cravings: I've lost my appetite lately - I think maybe my stomach has run out of room?

Symptoms: Lots of braxton hicks and getting more uncomfortable! Lately I've been having a lot of pressure. I think he has dropped this week.

Best Moment this week: Getting Colton's crib bedding in the mail and setting up his bed, only thing left is his dresser/changing table! It looks so good, I LOVE it!!!! I can't wait to show it off!

We went to the pool for the third day in a row. It was great because we got there early so there weren't many kids. Ryan just played and played and had the best time! He just loves the water! He did much better leaving the pool today than he did yesterday. He didn't throw a fit and we were able to stop at chick-fil-A on the way home for lunch! We came home and he slept from 1:30-5. We might spend every day at the pool until Colton comes, haha!

A couple weeks ago when I took our dogs to the vet I told him I was concerned about Gracie piddling on the floor because she is four years old and is house trained. He said she could have a bladder infection or it might just be a behavioral thing. I figured it to be behavioral since having a toddler around and she isn't getting as much attention. Well this morning she started showing signs of bladder infection so I called the vet. He said I need to get a urine sample to bring in. I said "how in the world am I suppose to get a sample from a dog only 2 inches off the ground". Well after much planning I was able to get the sample and took it to the vet this afternoon. The vet should call in the morning and let me know the results. We are having to keep her crated unless we are sitting down. Bless her little heart! I feel so bad for her! Anyone else have this with their dog?

Memorial Day '11

We've had a great Memorial Day weekend! First of all I want to say thanks for all of those who serve or have served our country and fight for our freedom.

Saturday we had a pretty lazy day around the house! Matt got up early and brought home dunkin doughnuts again and they were SO good! I only have a few more weeks I can eat like that, ha! They were so yummy! Saturday night we went to Red Robin for dinner! It was good and Ryan did pretty well!

This morning we went to Matt's hometown, about 20 minutes away, to watch the memorial day parade. It was at 10 o'clock and it was already pretty warm. Papou, Matt's Dad, walked down with us to watch the parade. It was a short parade but Ryan enjoyed it!

After the parade we headed over to the pool to enjoy some sun in the sun! It was blazing hot by the time we got to the pool so we were ready to jump in the water!

Ryan had THE BEST time at the pool today! He had his bucket and watering can and just played forever. He loved pouring the water over his head and he would laugh every time he did it. It was so cute, I loved it! He will even hold on to the side of the pool and try to kick his feet and say "kick kick kick". He had such a blast and was not ready to leave when we had to go home! He threw a huge fit and melted down! Part of the reason was he was tired. We came home and he took a long three hour nap! I'm so glad he loved the pool. We can't wait to go back!

Lately Ryan is going through a very independent phase. He wants to do everything we do and doesn't want anyone's help! I'm trying to embrace it and let him help me do things. He is a good helper most of the time but it definitely takes lots of patience on our part! He also has started to test us when we correct him or tell him to do something. Alot of times he is just trying to get our attention or let us know he doesn't like what we said! I know he will do this more when Colton gets here! He is at a very fun age even though it can be trying and exhausting at times. We have so much fun together! I am so thankful and blessed to be able to stay home with him everyday and teach him new things!

Show Us Your Life -Desserts - Margarita Cake

I'm so glad that some of you have made the sweet and sour chicken I posted last week and loved it! It's my husbands favorite meal I make at home! Here's another new favorite of ours! I love to bake and always sign up to bring a dessert whenever we go somewhere!

I made this really yummy cake the other night for our girls get together! It's a great dessert for summer time cookouts and get togethers! The recipe is from The Cake Mix Doctor Cookbook. I SO need this book! All the recipe's are desserts that use a cake mix in the ingredients.

Margarita Cake

Ingredients for Cake:

- 1 package plain yellow cake mix or lemon cake mix

- Half package (4 TBSP) of Vanilla instant pudding mix

- 1/3 cup of sugar

- 2/3 cup water

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1/3 cup lime juice

- 1/2 cup tequila

- 2 TBSP of triple sec

- 1 tsp lemon zest

- 4 large eggs

For the Glaze:

- 1 1/4 cup confectioner sugar

- 1 TBSP tequila

- 1 TBSP triple sec

- 1 TBSP fresh lime juice

- 1 lime cut into slices

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place the cake mix, pudding mix, sugar, water, oil, 1/3 cup lime juice, ¼ cup tequila, 2 tablespoons triple sec, and the lime zest and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are combined, 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 1½ minutes longer, scraping down the side of the bowl again if needed. The batter should look smooth and thick. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with the rubber spatula, and place the pan in the oven.

Bake the cake until the top springs back when lightly pressed with a finger, 42 to 47 minutes. Transfer the Bundt pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Run a long, sharp knife around the edges of the cake, shake the pan gently, and invert the cake onto a wire rack. Let the cake cool completely, about 25 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: Place the confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon tequila, 1 tablespoon triple sec, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Slide the cake onto a serving plate. Using a long wooden skewer poke 12 to 16 holes in the top of the cake. Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Garnish the cake with the lime slices and a sprinkling of coarse sugar. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes, then slice and serve the cake.

Rainy Day Playdate

This morning we had a MOPS playdate at the park. When we left our house it was pretty sunny out. We got to the park and there were lots of rain clouds. We let the kids play until it started to pour down rain. We took shelter under a pavilion hoping the rain would stop! Ryan was already wet so I let him play in the rain. He had the best time splashing around in the puddles!

Since the rain wasn't letting up we decided to move our playdate to my friend Betsy's house. She was kind enough to open her house to all our wet and crazy kids. The kids had a blast playing and we enjoyed some time to chat.

Lately everyone has been asking me when I'm due. When I respond July 1, 5 more weeks they comment on how they can't believe July is just 5 weeks away. I can't believe it's almost Memorial Day weekend, my definition of the start of summer!

I'm looking forward to the three day weekend! It's supposed to be sunny and close to 90 degrees here so I hope we get some pool time in. What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

Fun Things

We've had some fun days around our house lately! The weather has been nice so we have played outside alot and Ryan loves playing with bubbles. He calls them pop pops! If he sees the bottle of bubbles he instantly starts saying pop pops, pop pops!

Last night I had a girls night with my MOPS girls and it was so much fun! Our amazing mentor mom Jayne cooked us dinner and we all brought sides and desserts. It was so yummy and so fun to hang out with some of my best girl friends! I highly encourage all new moms to get involved in MOPS in their area! I am so blessed to have these women in my life.

My hilarious friends Zahra, Leah and Krista!

My friend Leah and I

Megan, our awesome mentor mom Jayne and Heather!

A couple of other fun things I found recently! Saturday I ran some errands by myself and found these fun candles at bath and body works. I love that store and love having smelly soaps and lotions around the house. I love these two flavors! They will be so fun for summer!

Since I need to brush up on some stuff before Colton arrives I was searching for my Baby Whisperer book the other night and remembered that I gave it away to a friend. With Ryan I used both Babywise and Baby Whisperer techniques. I didn't follow either of these to the T but took away lots of good information from each that I used with Ryan.

Yesterday Ryan and I went to the bookstore to play (they have a fun train table and a little kitchen set). Ryan had a blast and I was able to not only pick up a new copy of baby whisperer but also these two books about toddlers. I've already started reading the chapter on "when baby makes four"! I loved both these books for babies/infants and I know I will get alot from these toddler books.

As you already know, I am completely obsessed with personalized burp clothes and onesies! I got these adorable clothes in the mail yesterday from Sew Dressed Up on non other than etsy.com! They are so cute and so fun! Love, love, love them!

I found this gem at the store the other day and I'm so looking forward to sitting down and reading it. I love Southern Living but haven't read it in years.

And of course this is my favorite "fun" thing right now. Ryan is so much fun right now! I love this age. We are communicating better as his words are increasing every day. I know we are both understanding each other better all the time. We still have tantrums but he understands now what I'm trying to say to him. He is growing up so fast!

34 Weeks

I'm 34 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of baby: Colton is almost 5 lbs - about the size of a large cantaloupe.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 12 lbs (I've lost since last week)

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans and pants but everything else is regular. I'm down to just a few things I can still fit into. ha!

Gender: It's a boy!!!!! Colton Matthew Deepe

Movement: He is VERY active - especially in the afternoon and at night

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my stomach? Or bending over? ha!

Cravings: I've lost my appetite lately - I think maybe my stomach has run out of room? I have to brag on my wonderful husband! He got up early Saturday morning and went to the store and got milk and cinnamon toast crunch cereal, since I ate through a whole box last week, and doughnuts!!!!! He won some very big brownie points!!! Love him!!!!

Symptoms: Over the weekend I had lots of Braxton Hicks where my stomach would get super tight! Not feeling a ton of pressure down low yet! I'm praying he stays put for at least 4 more weeks! Thanks to prevacid no reflux in three weeks! Oh it's glorious!

Best Moment this week: Hearing Colton's heartbeat at the doctor on Friday (160 BPM) and feeling him move so much! He is super active and loves to shove his foot in my ribs. I told Matt on the way to church yesterday that I don't remember Ryan being this active and moving so much! Maybe I just don't remember! Oh boy!!! We are gonna have our hands FULL!!!!!

I still can't believe I am 34 weeks and Colton will be here in just about a month. I'm so excited to meet this little guy but I'm hoping he stays put for at least a month! His nursery is almost finished. We are just waiting on his dresser to come in and we should be getting his crib bedding really soon!

Busy Weekend

We had a busy weekend! We started our weekend Saturday morning at the zoo. Our zoo offers a fun touch and feel class for 19-24 month olds. Ryan was super excited to see the animals! First our zoo keeper came out with a box turtle named Raphael. Ryan got got touch his shell and his legs.

The next animal she brought out was an armadillo. I have never seen an armadillo up close. He was pretty ugly but a very interesting animal. After the kids got the touch him all curled up she let him run around. It was hilarious watching this little thing crawl around the floor.

Since it was the first weekend it was warm and sunny the zoo was packed! After our class we walked around the zoo a little then enjoyed a good lunch I had packed for us!

Saturday afternoon we went to Ryan's friend Nicholas' 2nd birthday party. Technically Nicholas doesn't turn two until the end of June but his mommy Ruth is 35 weeks pregnant so they decided to do his party early.

The party was at Nicholas' house complete with a bounce house and swing set. Ryan LOVED both the bounce house and swing set. I thought Ryan might be too young for the swing set but it didn't take long and he was climbing up the ladder and sliding down the slide. He loved it!

It was pretty warm out and Ryan got so flushed and sweaty. He had so much fun but he was filthy by the time we left. He got a good scrub down in the tub when we got home. We wore himself our and was asleep within 20 minutes of putting him to bed!

Today we went to church then to McAlister's for lunch! I was so glad it was warm and sunny out! We are so tired of the rain around here. We took it easy this afternoon and just relaxed at home. It was a good and fun weekend!

Show Us Your Life- Main Dish Recipes

One of our favorite dinner meals around here is sweet and sour chicken! I got this recipe from my friend Amber over at thismommycooks. Matt loves it when I make this recipe and usually request it about every other week, haha! Its so yummy I made it on our vacation in April. All our friends loved it! Hope you enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Chicken
from My Kitchen Cafe
Chicken Ingredients:
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch (flour works just about as well)
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Directions to cook chicken:
Cut boneless chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in cornstarch and then in egg. Fry in a little oil until brown but not cooked through. Place in a single layer in a baking dish. Mix sauce ingredients (below) together and pour over chicken.

Sauce Ingredients:
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup regular white vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions to bake chicken:
Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. Turn chicken every 15 minutes. If you like extra sauce, make another batch of sauce and bring it to a boil on the stove top. Stir constantly and let cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced - about 6-8 minutes.

Playtime, A Vet Visit and Girls Night Out

This morning started out early! I thought it was going to be a warm sunny day but unfortunately it was another glummy, rainy day here in Cincin-attle! I decided to try the park but it was wet so we headed to Chick-fil-A to play in the play place then have lunch. We ran into some friends at CFA and Ryan enjoyed playing and running off some energy!

This afternoon I had to take both Annabelle and Gracie to the vet for their yearly check up! Let me just tell you...I don't think I will ever do that again! It was a total circus and I was so "chawed" (embarrassed) by the time we left. It was insane trying to keep Ryan in the exam room and wrangle the dogs at the same time. The other technicians were having to help me entertain Ryan while I talked to the vet.

Oh my it was crazy and I left there thinking, what in the world am I going to do when I have two kids??? How do people take their pets to the vet when they have kids? I feel bad asking Matt to meet me there to help but I think the next time I will just have to make a Saturday appointment and leave the kiddos at home.

It was a perfect night to get out and have a girls night out!!! We had our MOPS book club tonight and it was so much fun! I loved spending time with my girlfriends and not cutting up someone's food or worrying about a meltdown in the middle of a restaurant. We always have so much fun chatting and catching up. Thanks to my sweet hubby who took care of Ryan and "held the fort down" while I enjoyed some fun girl time!

Oh the cuteness

So I am completely obsessed with having Colton's name on everything! His bedding, which I ordered last month and has yet to arrive, has his name on it! I ordered these fun goodies a few weeks ago from CafeBoulet on etsy.com. They are soooo cute! Oh how I LOVE etsy! I think Colton already has more things with his name on it than Ryan does, haha! Since we didn't know if Ryan was a boy or girl I didn't get anything with his name on it til after he was born. I LOVE all things embroidered and monogrammed!

Totally in love with these goodies! I have ordered quit a few burp rags. Ryan had reflux so bad and we never had enough burp rags. I always traveled with at least 3-4 in his diaper bag and had them all over the house! I am preparing myself for another reflux baby! My prayer is Colton won't have reflux but there is a greater chance he will. Nonetheless we will love him just the same! We are getting so excited about meeting him soon!

And of course I love this cute little boy with all that is in me! The last few days have been pretty low key. It's been rainy and cold and so not the normal May weather. Just last week we had a warm beautiful day at the zoo and this week has just been yuck! I am itching to get out and go to the park and play outside. Ryan keeps finding bubbles and will bring them to me saying "pop pop". He just doesn't get it that we can't do them inside or when it's raining outside.

I'm going to post Ryan's new big boy room and Colton's nursery soon but we are waiting on the rest of the furniture to come in. It came in a couple weeks ago but the dresser was damaged so they had to order another one. I will post when we get all the furniture in! Ryan is doing great in his new room and he loves it!

33 Weeks

I'm 33 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of baby: Colton is the size of a pineapple

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 10 lbs

Maternity Clothes: I wear maternity jeans and pants but everything else is regular. My maternity section in my closet is getting smaller and smaller, ha!

Gender: It's a boy!!!!! Finally a name, Colton Matthew Deepe

Movement: He is VERY active - especially in the afternoon and at night

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good!

What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my stomach? Or bending over? ha!

Cravings: Fruit! Had watermelon this weekend and it was SO good! I cannot get enough cinnamon toast crunch cereal! Even Ryan has discovered the goodness of CTC, hahaha!

Symptoms: Lately I've been having lower back pain, especially if I've been sitting for a while. I've had some braxton hicks! Thanks to prevacid I haven't had heartburn in two weeks! Woohoo!

Best Moment this week: Just feeling him move so much! And Matt putting together the crib yesterday! Still waiting on his dresser to come in! Can't wait to see it all come together!

I am getting excited and nervous about Colton coming! I keep wondering about how big he will be and what he will look like! I was looking at Ryan's baby pictures last night and getting so excited about having another newborn, there's nothing sweeter! We just cannot wait to meet baby Colton!

23 Months

Ryan - You are 23 Months old!!!!!!

I can't believe in one month my little baby is going to be TWO!!!!!!

You weigh 27lbs

You wear size 24 mo/2T clothes

You wear size 6 shoe

You have changed so much in the last month! I notice you getting older every day!

You are becoming more of a little boy every day!

You are talking more and more all the time! Alot of times we have no clue what you are saying but you are definitely telling us something.

Recently you have started saying thank you, pop pop (bubbles), fish, up, nana, yaya, papou, read dis and other words I just can't think of right now. We are really working on please!

You are starting to throw less fits and I'm sure it's because we are communicating better. You still want your way but I know you understand what we say more and more!

You smile all the time and everyone always comments on how happy and smiley you are! You have the cutest happiest personality!

You absolutely love dogs...of all sizes! You love to pet them and are so loving, especially to Annabelle and Gracie!

You love to give hugs and kisses to us and your grandparents! You have such a sweet and tender heart!

Your favorite food right now is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! You would eat it every day if I let you!

You play independently really well which will definitely come in handy next month when your little brother Colton gets here! You are getting better about letting us read to you and will bring us book and ask us "read dis".

You are now in your new room and you love it! You are still in your crib and we plan to keep you there for a loooong time.

You love going to church since we are there alot with Bible Study, Mops and Sunday service. I am so thankful for your teachers and how much they love you!

(This is how you suck your thumb! So funny! You always have a pajama shirt in your bed and usually keep one downstairs during the day, ha)

It seems like yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital and now you are about to be two!!!

I keep wondering if you and Colton will look and act alike. I have a feeling you will look alot alike but you might be completely different personalities. No matter we love you both soooo much! I hope you will be best friends!

I love you so much sweet baby boy!